Fortezza Medicea and Surroundings

Chianciano Terme – Val di Chiana

Marking the boundary between Tuscany and Umbria, Chianciano Terme is a renowned thermal resort lying on a hill separating the Valdichiana from Val d’Orcia; the town has always been famous for its curative mineral waters. The uncontaminated environment of the […]

Marking the boundary between Tuscany and Umbria, Chianciano Terme is a renowned thermal resort lying on a hill separating the Valdichiana from Val d’Orcia; the town has always been famous for its curative mineral waters.

The uncontaminated environment of the Tuscan hills, characterized by cypresses, is the ideal place for trekking, trips and horse riding: here we can set out to find beauty and wonderful nature in one of the several local reserves: the nature park of Montepulciano lake; the nature reserve of Lucciolabella by Pienza and the one called Pietraporciana by Chianciano.

The local economy is largely connected to oil, cheese and wine production: wine actually plays a very important role in this area, especially in Montepulciano, a famous site for wine industry thanks to its noble wine, one of the first Italian wines to get the DOC and DOCG seal of quality.

Local handicraft is important too: pottery, brickwork and blown crystal are among the main products.

Chiusi with its lakes is surrounded by several medieval hill towns like Cetona, Sarteano and Sinalunga. Other noteworthy places in the area are San Casciano dei Bagni, a charming thermal resort famous for its mud baths and Pienza, the birthplace of Pope Pio II.